On Saturday we went to the Dublin Book Festival. Patrick got to see a conversation with Joseph O’Connor (we had dinner with him in the Fall) and Dermot Bolger. I got to hear Medbh McGuckian read her poetry. (For those who don’t know I did by MA dissertation-ette on Medbh McGuckian.) She read with Joan Newmann, who I didn’t know but whose poetry I really enjoyed.
We thought that there would be more events for kids – but there weren’t. A photographer from the Irish Times was there and took a picture of Lily and Aine – we’ll let you know if they make it in the paper.
We did get to eat birthday cake for the IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) so that took the edge of for the kids. Also we ate at Eddy Rocket’s – which also makes the kids happy. As it should; it’s not very good but it’s very kid-friendly.
At night Patrick and I trekked out to Bray to meet Conor, a fellow PhD candidate. He is friendly and we both enjoy him. He brought us to a pub on the sea called the Harbor Pub. It was really 3 pubs in one: alternative music with a psychedelic feel in one room, a snug, and more traditional room – where they actually started playing traditional music. We were there fairly early and had prime seats near the bar.
The bar is near Ardmore Studios and apparently patrons from the studio have brought props to the bar – so there’s a very eclectic feel. I wish there were something like that closer to our place.
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